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Low atmospheric pressure stunning as a new method for stunning broilers in Germany under ethological aspects
Felix Kuck1, Jan Heck1, Shana Bergmann2
1Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany.
Poultry Science
|December 23, 2025
Summary
Low atmospheric pressure stunning (LAPS) for poultry shows potential but requires further study. This method may cause aversive reactions and difficulties in determining when birds lose consciousness, impacting animal welfare.
Area of Science:
- Animal Welfare Science
- Agricultural Engineering
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Poultry slaughter requires stunning according to EU regulations (EC No 1099/2009).
- Low atmospheric pressure stunning (LAPS) is a novel, gas-free stunning method approved in the EU (Commission Implementing Regulation [EU] 2018/723).
- LAPS utilizes reduced air pressure to induce unconsciousness via hypoxia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the animal welfare aspects of Low atmospheric pressure stunning (LAPS) in broilers in Germany.
- To assess the timing of consciousness and unconsciousness during the LAPS cycle.
- To identify potential welfare concerns associated with LAPS.
Main Methods:
- 35 Ross 308 broilers were stunned using a LAPS cycle adhering to EU regulations.
- Individual video recordings of broilers were analyzed using an ethogram for consciousness and unconsciousness indicators.
- Microclimatic and biological factors (age, sex, body weight) were recorded.
Main Results:
- Indicators of consciousness were observed up to 43 seconds into the LAPS cycle.
- Indicators of unconsciousness were consistently recorded from 248 seconds onwards.
- An intermediate phase (44-247 seconds) showed mixed indicators, complicating welfare assessment and revealing frequent aversive reactions.
Conclusions:
- Further research into the welfare implications of LAPS is necessary.
- Current LAPS protocols may present challenges in definitively determining the onset of unconsciousness.
- The perception of aversive reactions during the intermediate phase requires further investigation.
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